Zweigelt

Pork schnitzel is a thin, breaded and fried cutlet with a savory, crispy exterior and tender interior. The bright acidity in Grüner Veltliner cuts through the richness while the maltiness of Vienna Lager complements the golden crust, making both exceptional partners for this classic Austrian dish.

Wiener Schnitzel, a thinly pounded, breaded and fried veal cutlet, has a delicate flavor with a crisp exterior that requires beverages that won't overpower it. The wines and beers suggested offer complementary acidity to cut through the richness of the frying while highlighting the subtlety of the veal.

Zweigelt might sound like a complicated German math concept, but it's actually Austria's most planted red grape and delivers some seriously delicious, easy-drinking wines. Christina's version is a perfect introduction to this underappreciated variety – think of it as the lovable middle ground between Pinot Noir's elegance and Gamay's juicy freshness. Austrian reds still fly under the radar for many wine drinkers, which means you get exceptional quality without the markup that comes with more famous regions. This Zweigelt is remarkably versatile – it takes a slight chill beautifully for summer drinking but has enough character to stand up to heartier fall and winter fare. It's the kind of wine that makes you look like you know what you're doing when you bring it to a dinner party, without requiring a wine importer's budget. For those looking to expand their red wine horizons beyond the usual suspects, this is a delightful place to start.

Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape variety, and E&M Berger's version shows exactly why it deserves more international recognition. Created in 1922 by crossing Blaufränkisch with St. Laurent, Zweigelt delivers the perfect combination of fruit-forward charm and earthy complexity. What makes this wine special is its remarkable versatility – it's got enough structure to stand up to food but is light enough to enjoy slightly chilled on a warm evening. The Berger family has been crafting wines in the Wachau region for generations, focusing on wines that express their Alpine terroir rather than following international trends. This Zweigelt is the vinous equivalent of that effortlessly cool person who doesn't need designer labels to stand out – it's confident in its identity and doesn't try to be something it's not. For those tired of the same old Pinot Noir, this offers a refreshing alternative that's familiar enough to be approachable but different enough to be interesting.

Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, Höpler's Pannonica Red is a delightful introduction to Austria's red wine personality. This blend combines the country's signature varieties to create something that's both uniquely Austrian and universally appealing. The blend typically features Blaufränkisch providing structure and spice, Zweigelt adding juicy fruit and approachability, and a touch of Pinot Noir for elegance and aromatics. From Burgenland, Austria's warmest wine region near the Hungarian border, this red offers more fruit and body than you might expect from Austrian wine while maintaining the freshness and drinkability the country is known for. It's the perfect bottle to reach for when you want something different from the usual suspects but don't want to stray too far from the comfort zone – familiar enough to be approachable but distinctive enough to be memorable.